Eraserhead (Libra Films), Twin Peaks (Paramount), Inland Empire (StudioCanal)
Hearing that David Lynch ‘s struggles with emphysema mean that he doesn’t feel he can direct movies in person anymore is a true blow for any cinephile. The iconoclastic director’s career has been a fascinating one to track, because outside of his feature film and television work, he’s proven to be constantly inventive: creating music videos, spearheading a literal Festival of Disruption in Los Angeles, and keeping the world up to date on the daily weather in Los Angeles during the pandemic.
What brought him to the global stage, though, were his singular narrative projects, jaw-dropping descents into the subconscious anchored by fearless performances and a dark yet funny irreverence. Lynch’s last film was 2006’s Inland Empire , though he also gave us 18 additional hours of Twin Peaks with The Return in 2017. On top of the original Twin Peaks , it’s an impressive filmography, one that’s left behind many iconic lines of dialogue that linger in the memory — most especially the 10 showcased below.
Below all of his major projects are represented, with the exception of 1984’s Dune — out of respect for Lynch’s feelings about the completed movie. (He recently told NPR that Dune “wasn’t the film I wanted to make, because I didn’t have a final say.” ) Lynch’s passion for creativity means that health issues aside, he’s still creating new work — just last month, he released a new single in collaboration with the artist Chrystabell . Hopefully, there’s still even more to come, because no one sees the world like David Lynch does.
“Oh, I don’t know much of anything.” – Henry Spencer (Jack Nance), Eraserhead (1977)
Where to Watch Eraserhead : Streaming on Max and The Criterion Channel. Available on VOD via Apple TV+ and Amazon .
“People are frightened by what they don’t understand.” – John Merrick (John Hurt), The Elephant Man (1980)
Where to Watch The Elephant Man : Streaming on Hoopla, Kanopy, and Shout TV. Available on VOD via Apple TV+ and Amazon .
“Heineken? Fuck that shit! Pabst Blue Ribbon!” – Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper), Blue Velvet (1986)
Where to Watch Blue Velvet : Streaming on The Roku Channel, Hoopla, Tubi, and Pluto TV. Available on VOD via Apple TV+ and Amazon .
“There’s no need to make life tougher than it has to be.” – Sailor (Nicolas Cage), Wild at Heart (1990)
Where to Watch Wild at Heart : Unavailable on any streaming or VOD platforms.
“You know, this is – excuse me – a damn fine cup of coffee. I’ve had I can’t tell you how many cups of coffee in my life and this, this is one of the best.” – Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan), Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017)
Where to Watch Twin Peaks and Twin Peaks: The Return : Streaming on Paramount+. Available on VOD via Apple TV+ and Amazon .
“Quit trying to hold on so tight. I’m gone. Long gone. Like a turkey in the corn.” – Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee), Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992)
Where to Watch Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me : Streaming on Max and The Criterion Channel. Available on VOD via Apple TV+ and Amazon .
“It is not my custom to go where I’m not wanted.” – The Mystery Man (Robert Blake), Lost Highway (1997)
Where to Watch Lost Highway : Streaming on The Criterion Channel. Available on VOD via Apple TV+ and Amazon .
“The worst part of being old is remembering when you was young.” – Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth), The Straight Story (1999)
“It’ll be just like in the movies. We’ll pretend to be someone else.” – Betty Elms (Naomi Watts), Mulholland Drive (2001)
Where to Watch Mulholland Drive : Streaming on The Criterion Channel. Available on VOD via Apple TV+ or Prime Video. Available on VOD via Apple TV+ and Amazon .
“I figured one day I’d just wake up and and find out what the hell yesterday was all about. I’m not too keen on thinkin’ about tommorow. And today’s slipping by.” – Nikki Grace/Susan Blue (Laura Dern), Inland Empire (2006)
Where to Watch Inland Empire : Streaming on Max and The Criterion Channel. Available on VOD via Apple TV+ and Amazon
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